Two vaccine candidates have shown complete protection against the Zika virus in rhesus monkeys, with no adverse effects observed. The findings, published in the journal Science, provide a promising lead for developing a safe and effective human vaccine to combat this mosquito-borne disease.
A team of investigators identified a subtype of human adenocarcinoma that may be amenable to a new therapy. The research found that tumor suppressing C/EBPα works by restraining the expression of oncogenic protein BMI1, leading to an inverse correlation between the two molecules in NSCLC patients.
New research suggests EBV infection may increase risk of developing breast cancer, particularly high-grade estrogen-receptor-negative disease. EBV binds to breast cells, causing them to take on stem cell characteristics and accelerating tumor formation.
Researchers found that excluding high-risk patients from public reporting increased willingness among doctors to perform high-risk procedures, resulting in improved mortality rates. The study suggests that reforms to public reporting policies can mitigate undesired effects and improve patient health.
Children exposed to parental substance misuse are at risk of developmental delays, mental health problems, and substance use disorders. Pediatricians can assess risk and intervene with families, providing access to resources and breaking multigenerational cycles of abuse.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a simple and versatile method using inkjet printing technology to test bacteria for susceptibility to antibiotics. The method has been shown to be accurate and reproducible, significantly decreasing the antimicrobial testing gap.
A group of researchers warns against DIY use of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) due to its unpredictability and potential for unintended consequences. The study highlights the need for caution when applying tDCS outside a lab setting, as it can affect brain function in unforeseen ways.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a developmental cause of adult-onset cardiac hypertrophy, a leading cause of heart failure. The study reveals that genetic mutations affecting the Ras/MAPK cell signaling pathway can lead to the development of cardiac hypertrophy in adults.
A new clinical calculator assesses individual risk of psychosis after early warning signs of schizophrenia, such as hearing voices. Symptoms like unusual thought content and social functioning decline contribute significantly to the risk of developing psychosis.
A new study published in Nature demonstrates complete protection against the Zika virus in mice using two different vaccine candidates. The researchers showed that a single dose of either a DNA vaccine or a purified inactivated virus vaccine provides complete protection, similar to existing vaccines for other flaviviruses.
A new electric mesh device has been developed to wrap around the heart and deliver electrical impulses, improving cardiac function in experimental models of heart failure. The device is designed to mimic the properties and functions of heart tissue, closely imitating its elasticity and conductivity.
A consensus conference of international experts found testosterone therapy to be effective in treating low testosterone levels, regardless of underlying origin. The panel rejected concerns about increased cardiovascular risk, stating that the evidence suggests potential cardio-protective effects.
A new study found that video consultation technology brings together nursing home staff and hospital-based clinical experts to manage behavioral challenges associated with dementia. The program, Project ECHO-AGE, resulted in significant reductions in the use of physical restraints and antipsychotic medication among patients.
A new study found that a narrow band of green light significantly reduces photophobia and can reduce headache severity in patients with migraines. The researchers discovered that blue and red lights generated larger signals in the brain, while green light generated smaller signals.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified an enzyme called SHP-2 that significantly contributes to the development of lupus. Inhibiting this enzyme can diminish lupus symptoms and suggest a new therapeutic approach for the disease.
New research identifies C-reactive protein as a potential biomarker for post-operative delirium, enabling preventive measures to safeguard patient health. Increased CRP levels before and after surgery are linked to higher risk of developing delirium.
A new study found that online information about pancreatic cancer is often written at a reading level beyond the sixth grade, making it inaccessible to the general population. The research highlights the need for accurate and understandable health information to empower patients in making informed decisions about their care.
Researchers found a 72% increase in opioid-related hospitalizations between 2002 and 2012, with serious infections rising 91% and health care costs nearly quadrupling to $15 billion. The study highlights the significant impact of opioid abuse on the US hospital system and health care costs.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have developed a method to identify new antimicrobials that target antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Approximately 10,000 compounds were screened, and three approved drugs showed promise in inhibiting the growth of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).
A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that even low levels of air pollution can harm children's lung function. Children living close to major roadways had decreased lung function by age 8, with exposure to fine particulate matter and soot being the main factors.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have found a way to attack a process that tumor cells use to escape the effects of standard cancer drugs. The discovery highlights how targeting specific metabolic requirements of cancer cells can prove effective in their selective eradication.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report a breakthrough in extending the life of implantable devices by rapidly regenerating molecular constituents in situ. The new approach, using an enzyme called Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A, enables repeated regeneration of bioactive films without device removal.
A study in monkeys exposed to SIV reveals what happens in the very earliest stages of infection, providing insights into vaccine development and prevention. The findings suggest a narrow window of opportunity to contain or eliminate the virus.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that the GLP-1 analog drug liraglutide decreases activation in the brain's cortex when individuals are shown images of desirable foods, making these foods less appealing. This suggests that liraglutide may be an effective weight loss therapy for people who tend to eat as a reward.
Researchers discover circular RNAs involved in tumor growth and progression, suggesting a new path to cancer treatments. The study provides insights into the role of non-coding RNA in human biology and disease.
A new risk score provides individualized assessment of DAPT benefits and risks, helping clinicians tailor treatment for patients with specific risk factors. The tool assigns a numerical score based on patient age, cardiovascular risk factors, and procedural characteristics.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a 5-gene classifier that can accurately detect early stages of pancreatic cancer, offering hope for earlier diagnosis and treatment. The classifier achieved high sensitivity and specificity rates in training and validation datasets.
A recent study published in Nature has discovered that mitochondria play a key role in kidney injury, with the gene PGC1 alpha providing protection through NAD. The study suggests that manipulating NAD levels could lead to new therapies for acute kidney injury.
A study published in PNAS reveals that genetic variations in the Tie2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing life-threatening vascular complications following infections. Higher Tie2 levels provide protection against these complications.
The study confirms the importance of sugar to cancer survival and provides essential new information for developing PI3K inhibitor drugs. The discovery creates a previously unidentified link between a cancer cell's form and shape and its metabolic capabilities.
A large clinical trial found that a combination of antiviral medications can eradicate hepatitis C infection in over 90 percent of patients with advanced liver disease. The study showed significant improvements in liver function, even among patients with existing cirrhosis and liver failure.
Researchers at BIDMC have identified a novel strategy to decrease immune responses in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), by targeting the ecto-enzyme CD39 on Tc1 immune cells and modulating purinergic signaling. This approach shows promise for reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in patients with IBD.
MyICU provides a two-way communication platform for patients and family members to access important information, share updates, and request meetings with the care team. The app also includes a journal section where patients can record personal and medical information after discharge, facilitating healing and recovery.
Researchers developed a new method to grow 3D pancreatic tumor cultures from patients' surgical tissue, recreating the patient's cancer biology and morphology. This approach can help identify patient-specific sensitivities to novel therapeutics and assist in making treatment decisions.
A new study discovered that patient-derived human cells can be used to regenerate thyroid function in patients with cancer who have had their thyroids surgically removed. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a cell-based regenerative therapy to treat thyroid diseases.
A research team at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified a small molecule that prevents the overgrowth of blood vessels in animal models of aged macular degeneration and retinopathy of prematurity. The new findings show that this molecule, named Vasotide, can be delivered in eye drops, offering a promising alternative to ...
The National Cancer Institute has awarded BIDMC a five-year, $11.3 million grant renewal to continue its leadership in a multi-center kidney cancer research consortium. This funding will support four research projects focused on targeting critical molecular pathways and developing effective treatment combinations.
A research team led by Dr. Saumya Das will investigate microRNA-30d as a potential biomarker to predict patient outcomes in heart disease. They aim to use microRNA-based tests to identify patients at risk of complications and intervene with medications or implantable devices.
A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and MIT reveals a genetic circuit controlling fat storage versus burning. The research identifies two key genes, IRX3 and IRX5, which are under the control of the FTO gene variant associated with obesity. Manipulating this pathway may offer a new treatment approach for obesity.
Studies show that patients who access their clinician's visit notes experience improved health outcomes, better medication adherence, and reduced diagnostic delays. The practice of sharing visit notes has the potential to enhance patient-clinician communication and improve safety.
BIDMC researchers have discovered a novel vitamin B3 pathway that regulates liver metabolism and improves metabolic health. The study found that nicotinamide N-methyltransfersase (NNMT) plays a key role in this pathway, increasing Sirt1 protein levels and suppressing triglyceride and cholesterol synthesis.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that endovascular aortic repair provides better outcomes, including lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays, compared to open surgical repair. The study shows improved long-term results over time, with benefits extending up to eight years after surgery.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published new Choosing Wisely recommendations for reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in newborn care. The guidelines focus on avoiding routine use of antibiotics, anti-reflux medications, x-rays, MRIs, and overnight lung activity monitoring to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed an antibody that selectively detects and destroys a toxic protein causing widespread neurodegeneration after TBI, potentially preventing Alzheimer's disease and CTE. The treatment restores neurons' structural and functional abilities.
A new study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shows that a novel HIV-1 vaccine regimen provides complete protection against simian immunodeficiency virus in half of vaccinated non-human primates. The vaccine regimen involves a viral vector boosted with a purified envelope protein, demonstrating improved protection over previo...
Patient care leaders at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center highlight the need to eliminate emotional harms that can erode trust and damage patient-provider relationships. The medical center has developed a system to track and address these harms, which may be more prevalent than physical harms.
A new study suggests that the standard 30-day hospital readmission metric fails to accurately reflect changing risk factors. Researchers found that early readmissions (0-7 days post discharge) were associated with acute illness markers, while late readmissions (8-30 days post discharge) were more closely tied to chronic illness burden.
A new study finds that carbon monoxide can help accelerate the natural process of clearing heme, a toxic component of red blood cells, and reduce neuronal injury in mice with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The study suggests that low amounts of CO may be used to treat patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms.
Scientists at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have discovered a long-sought component of the neural network that controls eating, finding that the melanoncortin 4 receptor-regulated circuit inhibits and controls hunger. Activating this circuit reduces feeding in mice and removes feelings of intense hunger.
A new study found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with smaller brain structure and covert brain infarcts in middle-aged and older adults. Exposure to PM2.5 particles was linked to increased risk of silent strokes and dementia.